no, not really. well, kinda. the lovely jess lively invited me to do my very first podcast with her! she interviews me about my wildly veering career path, how i started blogging, my relationships (or lack thereof) and what i think about a myriad of odd topics. do inquiring minds really want to know? i hope you’ll enjoy the jess lively show!

• photo by sarah deragon.

by Chuck Hallett | It’s been the subject of conversation amoungst the Mount Pleasant craft beer crowd for some months now: “When will Main Street Brewing opening?” Speculation ranged from “6 weeks” to the slightly qualified “6 weeks–just not all in a row.”

Folks eager for an insider glance pressed bearded faces up against small gaps in the hoarding on the mustard-coloured building on the northwest corner of East 7th and Scotia for some clue missed by everyone else. Satisfied with that they saw, they’d step down off the ladder and knowingly proclaim “Tanks are in. Shouldn’t be long, now.”

And thus, the winter passed.

More recent reports included a note about the neighbourhood smelling like hot wort, which led to “any day now” updates. This eventually gave way to “the 29th of May at 11am,” which begat “come back at 3.”

Yes, with that hour upon us, the tanks are full, the counter is polished, and the bar stools are in position. Main Street has officially thrown open its glass doors to welcome the first of many clients this afternoon.

What should you expect from Vancouver’s newest craft brewery?

Well, for starters, they should expect a gorgeous interior space. Previous breweries like 33 Acres and Brassneck set the standard for a high quality tasting room but the brewery itself was always something of a bit player, visible only from certain peek-a-boo angles. Bomber changed that with a fermentation vessel looming behind the bar, and Main Street goes even further by using a 4ft high half wall to separate the tasting room and growler shop from the brewery floor.

Until legislation changes in Victoria, no other brewery will let you get closer to the action (I guess the government is afraid we might…er…brew beer…or something). While you’re out in the front of house drinking their product, brewmaster Jack Bensley will be visible not 30 feet from where you sit toiling away to brew his next creation.

The tasting tables will soon featuring fig trees growing through them, reaching up to the soaring double-height ceilings & wooden beams. Ample natural lighting is provided by generous skylights and a large, windowed entry way. The space is bright, airy and inviting. I intend to pass many hours here simply enjoying both being in a brewery and feeling the sun on my skin at the same time.

At launch there will be at least three regular beers (Brown Ale, Session IPA and Pilsner) and all four of the permanent cask engines will have some sort of one-off pouring. As well, the kitchen will up and running with a variety of bar-appropriate snackables. Hours are 11am to 11pm, seven days a week.

MORE BARLEY MOWAT

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Chuck Hallett lives and works in downtown Vancouver. His passionate obsession with craft beer borders on insanity. When not attempting to single-handedly financially support the local brewing industry through personal consumption, he spouts off on his award-winning beer-themed blog: BarleyMowat.com. If you’re in a good beer bar reading this, odds are he’s sitting next to you. Be polite and say hi.

This is the United States of Embarrassing, a map depicting the strangest Google searches for each state. It was created by Estately after running "hundreds of search queries through Google Trends to determine which words, terms, and questions each state was searching for more than any other." You can see the other unusual top queries at their blog HERE. For example, the full list for California reads, ""Alcoholics Anonymous / Bros Before Hos / Dandruff Cure / Food Poisoning / Google Glass / Kim Kardashian / Meat is Murder / Paris Hilton / Pokemon / Rogaine / What does Siri look like?" That sounds accurate. Those are all a big part of my life. Thanks to Argon, hands down my favorite of the noble gasses (just don't tell helium, neon or krypton).

Pussy galore

The GOODS from Hapa Izakaya

Vancouver, BC | Justin and Lea Ault are excited to introduce the launch of “Hapa Beach” – a new take on their 95-seat restaurant steps away from Kitsilano Beach, at 1516 Yew Street (off Cornwall).

Inspired by the West Coast’s beloved Kitsilano shores, the menu introduces a laid back approach to modern Japanese dining, while retaining familiar Hapa classics, such as Vancouver’s original Ebi Mayo, ishiyaki rice bowls, and premium Ocean Wise sushi.

Beach Bites varying from juicy Kobe Beef Sliders to sizzling Teppan Steak-Frites and addictive prosciutto-wrapped Pineapple Tempura (priced between $6 and $12), can be enjoyed from the 25-seat patio or taken out for a picnic on the beach. Hapa’s chefs are also very excited to add to the menu, bowls of rich chashu ramen, destined to become one of Vancouver’s best.

Hapa Beach will also be pouring refreshing new cocktails, reminiscent of a hot summer’s eve – such as Lime Daiquiris, Sunset Raspberry Lemonades, Japanese Slippers, Shiso Mojitos, and Strawberry Sake Margaritas, as well as a variety of local and imported beers (priced from $3 to $6) and ($7) wines.

Kits locals will be happy to hear Hapa Beach’s summer hours are now in effect, open daily from 4:00pm. Hapa Hour has now shifted forward to 4:00pm to 5:00pm daily. View the new Hapa Beach Menu here. Learn more about Hapa Izakaya after the jump…

Details

Robson Oyster Bar: 1479 Robson St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-689-4272
Coal Harbour: 909 W Cordova St, Vancouver B.C. Tel:604-420-4272
Yaletown: 1193 Hamilton St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-681-4272
Kitsilano Beach: 1516 Yew St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-738-4272
Toronto: 602 College St, Toronto, ON, Tel: 647-748-4272
Ritz Bar: The Ritz-Carlton 181 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON Tel: 416-585-2500
Open: Monday to Saturday, 5:00pm – late
Email: info@hapaizakaya.com | Web: www.hapaizakaya.com
Twitter: @hapaizakaya | Facebook: Hapa Izakaya

Gallery

The People

Owners: Lea & Justin Ault
Chef Masafumi Okuno, Yaletown location
Chef Daiji Tanaka, Kitsilano location
Chef Nobutaka Watanabe, Coal Harbour location
Chef Toshiyuki Iwai, Robson location
Chefs Koichi Fujioka and Takayuki Sato, Toronto location

About Hapa Izakaya

Voted “Top Five Izakayas In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine; topping “Industry and Readers Choice” Georgia Straight awards for Best Japanese in 2012 and Best Izakaya in 2013; and “Best Casual Chain, Silver” by Vancouver Magazine in 2013, Hapa continues to offer a winning combination of Japanese cuisine, fun, and culture, paired with local seasonal and Ocean Wise ™ ingredients.

Awards & Accolades

MARCH 2014 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

FEBRUARY 2014 VANCOUVER COURIER 2014 | Stars of Vancouver – Reader’s Choice Awards | Gold, Vancouver’s Best Tapas

APRIL 2013 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Silver, Best Casual Chain

MARCH 2013 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Industry’s Choice | Best Japanese (GOLD)

MARCH 2013 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

FEBRUARY 2013 WESTENDER | Best of the City Dining, Readers’ Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

NOVEMBER 2012 WESTENDER | Best of the City Dining, Readers’ Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

APRIL 2012 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Silver, Best Casual Chain

MARCH 2012 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

MARCH 2012 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Industry’s Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

MARCH 2012 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

FEBRUARY 2012 WESTSIDE BUSINESS AWARDS OF DISTINCTION | Best Restaurant

AUGUST 2011 BON APPETIT MAGAZINE | Top 5 Izakaya’s in North America

MARCH 2011 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

FEBRUARY 2011 TOURISM VANCOUVER | Best $28 Dine Out Vancouver Menu | Best Japanese

FEBRUARY 2011 WESTENDER | Best of the City , Readers’ Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

APRIL 2010 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

MARCH 2010 WESTENDER | Best of the City, Readers’ Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

OCTOBER 2009 WESTENDER | On The Plate – 50 Favourite Things to Eat & Drink in Vancouver

FEBRUARY 2009 WESTENDER | Best of the City, Readers’ Choice | Gold, Best Japanese

MAY 2007 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Bronze, Best Casual Japanese

APRIL 2006 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Gold, Best Casual Japanese

MARCH 2006 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates, Readers’ Choice, Best Japanese (4th)

FEBRUARY 2006 WESTENDER | Best of the City, Readers’ Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

APRIL 2005 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Gold, Best Casual Japanese

APRIL 2005 VANCOUVER SUN | Best Izakaya

JANUARY 2005 NATIONAL POST | #2 of Five Best Canadian Destinations for Small-Plates Dining

APRIL 2004 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Editors’ Choice Award | Bronze, Best Japanese | Premier Crew Award (Vancouver’s Best Service) – Kana Yanagawa

APRIL 2004 VANCOUVER SUN | Best Robson Street, Budget | Best Contemporary Japanese | Best New Hip

NOVEMBER 2003 ENROUTE MAGAZINE | Listed among Best New Restaurants in Canada

The multi-level, octagonal Jag Grill table seats 8 (duh) and comes apart easily for cleaning and storage. The only problem is the price. The beast weighs in at an obscene $2,499. But as the Jag PR verbiage says, “There are some things that money can’t buy, and one of those things are memories…” Nice try, Jag PR. Nice try.

EVERY COOL THING WE WANT

theroguefeminist:

huffpostworld:

This ‘personal space’ dress could solve all your public transportation woes.

CREDIT THE INVENTOR: SHE IS AN ARTIST NAMED KATHLEEN MCDERMOTT WHO IS FINISHING HER MFA IN HONG KONG

Also she is developing this technology literally to help women assert their space in public AND MAKE A STATEMENT about how women are treated in patriarchal societies! She is developing other clothes too! You can support her project here: http://www.kthartic.com/index.php?/class/about-urban-armor/

More info:

The dress is the second in a series of projects called Urban Armor, which aim to help women own their space in public arenas that often attempt to deny this right. As McDermott explains in the project statement: “The series arose partly out of my concern over the persistence of ideologies asserted at women in public space through advertising, architecture and socially normative behavior. I began to look for ways women could take more ownership over their personal space in public.”

Basically this woman is a badass feminist artist. Please support her work and spread the word

fecundcunt

Ikea has tried to change the way you eat, the way you shop and the way you light your home, and now the Swedish retailer is trying to change the way you travel. Ikea is launching an electric bike, dubbed the Folkvänlig, that will only set you back $1,000 (even less if you are an Ikea Family member). The bike will be released in Austria initially, features six different driving modes and a has top speed of 45 mph, which means that even longer commutes are do-able.

Read the rest of Ikea Announces Plans to Launch an Electric Bicycle!

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hippies-like-us:

kuneria:

Bob Ross soothes and calms and makes me happy like nothing else I’ve ever known.

ijustloveyoutubers:

weholytrinititties:

Hannah Hart

This hit me like a tonne of bricks..

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

This is a series of gifs of classic painting showing the original image, then a Photoshopped version with the ladies slimmed down to today's standard of beauty. Personally, I don't like today's standard of beauty. I'll take a plump, tasteful nude over the skinny versions any day. This reminds me -- one time in middle school my class took a field trip to the museum and I got separated from the rest of the group. You know where they found me? "In the tasteful nudes section?" What? No, that isn't even a real section. I was dry-humping a dinosaur model. It's like you don't even know me anymore. Keep going for more.

Researchers at Harvard have discovered a protein that appears to actually reverse multiple signs of aging, in everything from appearance to stamina. Called GDF11, scientists gave the protein to older mice and those mice showed improvement in every organ system, reversing the DNA damage that is part of the aging process. The protein shows such promise that scientists are considering testing the protein on humans, who also carry the same GDF11 protein, which could potentially mean that someday we could have a better way to fight – and even cure – diastolic heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease.

Read the rest of Harvard Scientists Discover a Protein That Has the Potential to Reverse the Aging Process

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Post tags: anti aging GDF11, anti aging Harvard, anti aging protein, anti aging research, fighting Alzheimers, fighting heart disease, GDF11 protein, GDF11 protein research, GDF11 Science journal, Harvard anti aging research, Harvard GDF11, Harvard research, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute research, Harvard Stem Cell research, reverse aging, reversing aging, Science journal anti aging, Science journal anti aging research

New Yorkers now have a new place to pick up delicious vegan cheeses and other animal-free treats! Popular nut cheese purveyor Dr. Cow recently cut the ribbon on its new flagship shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In addition to the NY-based company’s artisanal cheeses, the new storefront offers organic granola, vegan cheesecakes, chocolate truffles and other cruelty-free delicacies.

READ MORE >

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image by qestdar

A researcher in China has unveiled his super-maglevloop line that could make future trains go at the speed of up to 1,800 mph. This is a big deal, mind you, because currently the fastest passenger-carrying train, Shanghai Maglev Train, only reaches a high speed of just 268 mph. By using a vacuum tube, the researcher eliminated speed limitations imposed by air resistance on regular maglev trains.


Read the rest of Chinese Loop Vacuum Tech Allows Super-Maglev Trains to Reach 1,800 MPH

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Post tags: bullet trains, Chinese research maglev, green technology, green transportation, maglev design, maglev loop, maglev trains, maglev vehicles, super fast trains, super-maglev loop line, super-maglev train

Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, but because it’s happening gradually, it’s difficult to understand how it relates to our lives and future. A new project called World Under Water aims to overcome this mental barrier by using a modified version of Google Street View to show what the world will look like if sea levels continue to rise as climate scientists predict. The result is a shocking wake up call that shows everything we have to lose if we fail to embrace a clean energy economy. Keep reading to learn more about what your neighborhood looks like on climate change, and what you can do about it.

Read the rest of Google Street View Hack Shows Your Neighborhood on Climate Change (and it Isn’t Pretty)

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Post tags: cities on climate change, Climate Change in Your Neighborhood, Google Street View, how does climate change affect me, rising sea levels, Water World, what does climate change look like, World Under Water

Read the rest of Conqueror makes the ultimate self-sufficient campers for outdoor adventures

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This is a short video of an octopus that's caught by a fisherman and, when it's tossed onto the boat's deck, instantly turns white to try to hide from the humans. Unfortunately, human eyes are harder to trick than some ocean predators, and I imagine this guy ended up as somebody's dinner. Or in a magic potion. Speaking of -- anybody know where I can get some fairy wings? I'm kidding, I support the ban on fairy wings to brew magic potions. I do need a half dozen leprechaun nards though. Keep going for the video.

Not in front of the nuns! Steven Cohen (not to be confused with Sander Cohen, who is an infinitely saner artist) was recently convicted of sexual exhibitionism for a piece of performance art he conducted last September that involved dancing around the Eiffel Tower with a rooster tied to his wiener. But not like, ON his wiener, just like, tied to it with a leash. Nothing that out of the ordinary.

The Paris piece was a reaction to an increasingly homophobic, xenophobic and anti-Semitic world, Cohen told the newspaper. "In showing the most intimate part of me, I'm saying: I'm male, I'm Jewish, I'm queer, I'm white," he said. He said the rooster, named Franck, was not harmed during the performance. The animal was chosen "because it's the emblem of France".

Man, that would have been a weird day to visit the Eiffel Tower. I wonder what those nuns were thinking. Do you think they understood Cohen's message? Or that they vowed to never leave the convent again? Because I wasn't even there and now I want to become a nun and devote my life to God. Or at least to never having to see a dude walking a chicken with his pecker. Thanks again to Brobamalicous, who I'm not convinced didn't just send this story knowing I'd have to go out and find a pic, and yes, there are ones where you can clearly see the leash tied around his bare johnson.

Smoky eyes are up there with cat eyes on the intimidation list. But if you can draw lines in a checkerboard, you can create a smoky eye! Don’t worry about it being an exact duplicate of what I did above, just make sure you have the right liner formula and prep your lid with foundation first, otherwise, it won’t work. Here’s how: 

TOOLS:

• Smudge-able Liner — Look for an eyeliner that you can easily smudge with your finger but is also longwearing so it stays put and lasts. I used Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner in Spice and also love Benefit BADgirl Waterproof Liner as well as Covergirl Liquiline Blast.
• Your Favorite Mascara — I used Physician’s Formula Organic 100% Natural Mascara in Ultra Black and was pretty impressed with the volume and intensity for a natural mascara!

STEPS:

1. First apply foundation all over your lid. This look isn’t messy because you don’t have to worry about fallen eyeshadow, so you can go ahead and apply your foundation all over your face first, making it easy to include your eyelids. Then draw a line from the outside corner of your upper lashline towards the end of the crease as demonstrated above.
2. Repeat and draw a parallel line a couple millimeters over, again from the upper lashline towards the crease at around a 45-degree angle.
3. Feel where your natural crease is and draw a line along the crease about 3/4′s of the distance from the outside line inward.
4. Move the liner tip to the top of the original line you drew in step 1 and draw a parallel arc a couple of millimeters above the crease line. If it’s easier for you, swap steps 4 and 3 and do this one first.
5. Now for the easy part! Place your finger over the area and start smudging! Move your finger gently back and forth to smear the lines away, smoking it out.
6. Line the bottom lashline.
7. Blend this line away as well so there are no harsh lines.
8. Finish with a couple coats of mascara.

The GOODS from Farm 2 Fork

Vancouver, BC As Farm2Fork ramps up for yet another busy summer season, we are pleased to launch our new Spring menu. The cost is STILL $75.00 and, of course, BYOB. You can preview the menu after the jump. Feel free to visit us online or call 778-772-3037 for bookings. Also, this Friday is our common table night. There’s no need to book the whole table, just come by yourself or with friends once you’ve RSVPed for tickets.

MENU

Lacto Fermented Beetroots
house-made goat curd, beetroot gel roll, apple fluid gel

English Pea & Sorrel Veloute
poached quails egg, english peas, creme fraiche

Dungeness Crab
shaved honey dew, avocado, yuzu, micro basil, ruby grapefruit

Halibut
crab bisque, pickled fennel & slivered scallions, braised dandelion

Salt Spring Lamb
roasted loin, braised cheek, lava beans, smoked buttermilk, pea mousse, broth of swiss chard and milk whey

Double R Ranch Tenderloin
sous vide beef tenderloin, manilla clams, wilted rapini, fingerling potato, fennel soubise

“Cheese Cake”
vanilla-scented mousse, poached rhubarb, bay leaf infused rhubarb sorbet
fraser valley strawberries

Details

Location: Water Street, Gastown | Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 778-772-3037
Web: www.farmtwofork.com
Executive Chef / Founder: Nicolas Hipperson
Chef / Co-Founder: Nooshin Rasouli

About Farm 2 Fork

Farm 2 Fork is a underground restaurant project, launched by 2 friends in Vancouver’s historic Gastown. We believe that food should be fun, exciting and grown close to home. F2F is constantly striving to progress the local food movement forward and as a result, we only source the freshest of local ingredients to create beautifully plated, regionally inspired, pacific northwestern fare. Our concept is very unique, so allow us to indulge your inner foodie and join us for a night of wonderful food, great wine and fantastic company.

Working with our local farms and producers of British Columbia, we are inspired by our surroundings to create a 7 course tasting menu that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.  Our menu changes monthly with the seasons, so eating the same menu twice is unlikely.  This allows us to be very creative with our food and we would love to show you what the bounty of our ‘backyard’ has to offer.

We are open by reservation only, and can accommodate groups from 6 – 11 guests.  We are more than happy to accommodate vegetarians and dietary restrictions with advance notice. The location of F2F will be kept secret, and detailed information will be emailed to you and your party after reservations have been made.

Reviews & Accolades

Chatelaine – November 2011

“It’s one step short of a secret handshake: Coordinates to this exclusive BYOB underground restaurant are given out only after you make a group reservation. Two friends turned pro chefs serve up a seasonal seven-course tasting menu, made from farm-fresh West Coast fare, that can be tailored for each guest.”

Vancouver Sun – August 2012

“The underground restaurant project, Farm-2-Fork, is a locavore heavyweight. Based in Gastown, F2F takes bookings for groups of six to 10 diners. farmtwofork.com”

24 Hours News Media – October 2012

“Newer to the scene is Raincity Grill executive chef Nicolas Hipperson, who began Farm-2-Fork last February out of a Gastown residence. He now employs two servers and a kitchen team and stages dinners five times a week — on top of his full-time job at Raincity.

“As much as I love the food industry in Vancouver, doing it at home is fun. It’s an opportunity to step back from the chaos of the line,” Hipperson said.

“You have one table to focus on, and they’re there because they love food and what you’re showing them.

”?Farm-2-Fork’s focus is on locally sourced foods, with vegetables arriving from the Fraser Valley, beef from Pemberton, fish from Vancouver Island, and other local goodies……

“Farm-2-Fork diners can expect chef-recommended wine pairings.”

Georgia Straight – November 16 2012

“On November 14, diners gathered at Farm-2-Fork, an underground restaurant co-founded by Hipperson, who is executive chef at Raincity Grill, and Nooshin Rasouli, who previously worked at Hawksworth. Hipperson and Rasouli met at cooking school, and came together recently to work with small local producers and host private dining parties in Hipperson’s gorgeous Gastown pad. On the menu that evening was three dishes served buffet-style on Hipperson’s kitchen island—an earthy but refreshing beetroot salad, followed by duck and rabbit dishes perfect for winter and difficult to part with”

The Vancouver Observer – November 19 2012

“Cloaked in mystery, we all received our first set of instructions and awaited the great unveil of the first secret location that was to launch our food experience. We were given an address, asked to meet in the lobby and given the time that we were to arrive.

It was a beautiful night to arrive in Gastown, mild and dry and within a short period of time we grew in numbers from the first arrivals of one or two quickly to a total of 29, all anxiously awaiting the details of how the night was to unfold.

We were warmly welcomed and guided to our first experience with Chef Niclas Hipperson of Farms to Forks underground restaurant project. The 26-year-old Chef Hipperson is also Executive Chef for the Raincity Grill in English Bay. Let me tell you, talk about talented in the area of food expertise and fine dining experiences!

Over a glass of wine either red or white we all enjoyed a delectable, tantalizing and exquisite tastings of duck, rabbit and cold beet salad that was beyond description for flavour sensation including freshness, crispness and taste!

The underground or pop-up restaurant experience was an idea brought over from England to Chef Hipperson from his colleague and business partner Nooshin. Having recently returned from spending a year in England learning first hand of the out-of-the-box food experience there, she quickly sought out her close friend and former culinary school classmate and shared the idea with him.

Enticed by the idea, Niclas jumped at the idea to showcase BC’s own local organic produce and to support the local farmers and at the same time to bring his own natural cooking talents to an audience in a most original fashion, hence the Farms to Forks experience hosted in his own home.

The duck was incredibly succulent, the beet salad was a combination of crisp, fresh and slightly sweet taste sensation followed up with white rabbit wrapped in bacon. The wine selection, as handpicked by Niclas himself, was ideal. A full meal experience all on its own, and yet there was still more to come, literally right around the corner.

I could have easily stayed at the first location for the entire evening enjoying the conversation with all of the new people I had the pleasure to meet and in the comfort of the ambience that was created in such a warm and intimate manner in the kitchen of our first stop.

My first underground restaurant experience, and if the rest are anything like Farms to Forks I’ll definitely be checking out some more

BC BUSINESS MAGAZINE – March 2013

“Hidden in a nondescript building on Gastown’s historic Water Street is the hippest Vancouver dining experience you’ve never heard of. Farm 2 Fork, an underground restaurant created by Nicolas Hipperson, the executive chef of Raincity Grill, takes only one group of six to 10 per night and tailors an intimate tasting menu to each party. Patrons bring their own wine and then sit back and enjoy a seven-course hyper-local feast featuring seasonal seafood, meat and produce—95 per cent of which comes from within 100 miles of Hipperson’s kitchen. While the offerings on the menu change based on season and ingredient availability, Farm 2 Fork’s Saskatchewan-born chef always includes a beet salad—”The beet is a Prairie staple,” he says. The local focus extends beyond the menu, too, and the brick-walled space is adorned with the work of local artists and furniture designers. Offering an unprecedented chance to interact with tone of the city’s top chefs has proven a winning combination for Hipperson, who reports taking bookings as far as six months in advance (farmtwofork.com).